Seoul: South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol’s security chief, Park Chong-jun, warned against any violent attempt to arrest the impeached leader on Friday, citing unfair treatment and emphasizing the need to avoid bloodshed amid rising tensions. Yoon faces possible arrest due to a criminal investigation linked to his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law.
Park, who heads the Presidential Security Service (PSS), is under investigation for obstructing justice related to a six-hour standoff between PSS agents and investigators attempting to execute an arrest warrant for Yoon. Park, a former senior police official, expressed his belief that the arrest of a sitting president is improper, given the country’s stature.
“I believe there should not be any physical clash or bloodshed under any circumstances,” Park stated, arriving at police headquarters for questioning. He added that acting President Choi Sang-mok had not responded to his request for safety assurances for those involved in the standoff.
Last Friday, hundreds of PSS agents blocked the presidential compound, preventing investigators from arresting Yoon. The investigators were eventually pulled back due to the risk of confrontation. Reports indicated that PSS agents were carrying firearms during the standoff, although no weapons were drawn.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), leading the investigation, obtained a new arrest warrant this week after Yoon failed to comply with repeated summons for questioning. Yoon’s legal team, however, declared the warrant illegal and invalid on Thursday.
In addition to the criminal investigation, Yoon faces a trial in the Constitutional Court regarding his impeachment on Dec. 14, with a decision to be made on whether he will be permanently removed from office or reinstated. Yoon’s lawyers have confirmed that he will accept the verdict.
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Despite these challenges, recent polls indicate a shift in public opinion. Support for Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) has increased, and the demand for his permanent removal has softened. A Gallup Korea survey published on Friday showed that 64% of respondents still support Yoon’s removal, though this is down from 75% following the martial law announcement. PPP’s approval rating rose to 34%, up from 24% a month ago, reflecting a shift in political sentiment.
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Analysts suggest that prolonged uncertainty over Yoon’s political future has strengthened his supporters’ resolve, while some critics are now concerned about the possibility of the liberal opposition Democratic Party leader, who is also facing trial for alleged criminal conduct, becoming president.
